GeoExchange coalition: promoting earth-energy heat pumps

A coalition for the promotion of earth-energy heat pumps, called the GeoExchange Coalition has been formed in Canada. Five electric utilities formed this coalition in an effort to significantly increase the number of annual installations for ground-coupled heat pumps that are now positioned to lead a campaign to promote the use of renewable energy for low-grade thermal applications. The funding for this coalition is provided by the Canadian Renewable Energy Deployment Initiative, with additional support from the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium in Washington and the Earth Energy Society of Canada. The coalition's mission is "guided by a vision of transforming the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) market in Canada." Earth-energy heat-pump technology has been rapidly growing in popularity across the continent: the North American market growth has averaged +30% in 2000 and 2001. This is due to its high efficiency, its consistent heating and cooling abilities and its environmental friendliness (producing up to 80% fewer emissions than conventional HVAC, or none at all when partnered with renewable electricity generation such as hydro, solar, wind or geothermal steam generation).